[maisy1996]

So right, im going on holiday sunday,the bahamas for a week and obviously im gona have to go swimming.not to sound stupid or anything but im pretty scared.i dont have a clue how im gona be able to get in and out with out making a big fuss and drawing attention to my self any ideas? Also Worried that im not even gona beable to stay afloat and what not.or am i just making a big deal out of nothing? I dont know what the pools are like but one of them has steps going into the water,wether that makes it harder or easier i dnt know.

Maisy.

This post has been edited by maisy1996: 30 July 2009 - 06:11 PM

[JesseB]

I've only tried swimming once, while still in inpatient rehab. Just make sure you bring a Boogie Board. (...I think thats what their called)
Or some kind of floating device, and you should be fine.

Oh, and make sure someone's next to you untill your comfertable. My head kept wanting to go under the water when I tried, haha.

[Doodle]

Maisy, U look small and light wieght im sure your dad could carry you into and out of the pooi, if not then if you can do a floor transfer then you should have no problems! Do neither of the pools have a pool hoist?!

[alex4bs]

maisy im pleased you brought thi post to our attention about swimming i would love to go to the baths were i live let us all know how it gos for you goodluck

[maisy1996]

Doodle-86, on Jul 30 2009, 08:32 PM, said:

Maisy, U look small and light wieght im sure your dad could carry you into and out of the pooi, if not then if you can do a floor transfer then you should have no problems! Do neither of the pools have a pool hoist?!

no hoists that i know of and i would rather not go swimming than use a hoist.yeah my dad and brothers have been saying that they will carry me in,but i just wanted to do something on my own and know that i can,guess i gotta compramise as my floor transfers suck.

[maisy1996]

JesseB, on Jul 30 2009, 08:18 PM, said:

I've only tried swimming once, while still in inpatient rehab. Just make sure you bring a Boogie Board. (...I think thats what their called)
Or some kind of floating device, and you should be fine.

Oh, and make sure someone's next to you untill your comfertable. My head kept wanting to go under the water when I tried, haha.

Yeah it is a boogie board and it will be staying firmly attatched to me haha

[Illinois Boy]

Before my inground pool turned into a frog pond, I loved getting into it...... I wore a ski vest and weighted my feet down so I didn't end up on my face....

I loved swimming in the deep end, I could feel my vertebrae stretching out......

My wife and son lifted me outta the chair onto the edge of the shallow end, then into the water.....
Guess I outta fix the damn thing........

Jim

[wheelywendy]

hi heres a previous thread ref swimming, hope its of some help to you
http://www.apparelyzed.com/forums/index.ph...amp;hl=swimming

[Tinbasher]

First time after my accident was weird. You might find your legs float more than they used to! First time my feet popped up I thought some poor bugger was drowning next to me lol.

Have someone keep an eye on you first few times until you get your confidence back but I can tell you it feels fantastic.

The Jacuzzi was funny as my legs got me into a heap of trouble floating about of their own accord, I had to explaine to a very pretty woman that I wasnt playing footsie!

Tom

[wheeliebear75]

You can swim without being carried around in the water sweetie. Once you're in you should be AOK. We're just saying to have somebody around near-by while in the water & get parents or siblings to help you get from pool to chair.

I have a lower injury than you do but I still have to get in & out arms only. I get both in & out from the deep-end. I have someone hold my chair & push it right to the very edge of the pool so it can't go even an inch further without falling in......then I push myself out & into the water. To get out I go to the very corner, and much like getting out when you're an AB from the deep end with out ladder you use the water to help you; I push myself back down in the water & then sort of pop up & use the momentum to get me over the side. Once I'm on the side though I still need help to get into my chair. So I get picked up off the ground & put back in my chair. For the jacuzzi though it's different; it's shallow so obviously I don't hop in.......for that either I get carried in or I would have to go up & down step by step, & although I can get back in the chair........it's NOT an easy task........so I go ahead & take the help when & can get it.

[maisy1996]

Tinbasher, on Jul 31 2009, 12:06 AM, said:

First time after my accident was weird. You might find your legs float more than they used to! First time my feet popped up I thought some poor bugger was drowning next to me lol.

Have someone keep an eye on you first few times until you get your confidence back but I can tell you it feels fantastic.

The Jacuzzi was funny as my legs got me into a heap of trouble floating about of their own accord, I had to explaine to a very pretty woman that I wasnt playing footsie!

Tom

Haha that really made me laugh about the drowning guy,ill make sure i know its me lol (:

[maisy1996]

wheeliebear75, on Jul 31 2009, 12:40 AM, said:

You can swim without being carried around in the water sweetie. Once you're in you should be AOK. We're just saying to have somebody around near-by while in the water & get parents or siblings to help you get from pool to chair.

I have a lower injury than you do but I still have to get in & out arms only. I get both in & out from the deep-end. I have someone hold my chair & push it right to the very edge of the pool so it can't go even an inch further without falling in......then I push myself out & into the water. To get out I go to the very corner, and much like getting out when you're an AB from the deep end with out ladder you use the water to help you; I push myself back down in the water & then sort of pop up & use the momentum to get me over the side. Once I'm on the side though I still need help to get into my chair. So I get picked up off the ground & put back in my chair. For the jacuzzi though it's different; it's shallow so obviously I don't hop in.......for that either I get carried in or I would have to go up & down step by step, & although I can get back in the chair........it's NOT an easy task........so I go ahead & take the help when & can get it.

Thanks for the advise and technique you use it seems such a dawnting task but i will give it my best shot thanks (:

[Ches]

Maisy you'll be fine. I got back into the water for the first time this year.. (well not technically first time, but I was 2 months post the last time- not so fun) I was incredibly surprised to find that swimming is actually really easy.. You just kinda gotta doggy paddle and do the 'frog' arm motion to keep afloat.

Its really easy to forget your legs dont work in the water, out of old habit I kept wanting to kick my feet and use my hands for a second here and there to wipe water out of my face, and of course that isnt possible.

Dont panic in the water, you'll be fine.

[twisted_ophelia]

Ches, on Jul 30 2009, 09:55 PM, said:

Maisy you'll be fine. I got back into the water for the first time this year.. (well not technically first time, but I was 2 months post the last time- not so fun) I was incredibly surprised to find that swimming is actually really easy.. You just kinda gotta doggy paddle and do the 'frog' arm motion to keep afloat.

Its really easy to forget your legs dont work in the water, out of old habit I kept wanting to kick my feet and use my hands for a second here and there to wipe water out of my face, and of course that isnt possible.

Dont panic in the water, you'll be fine.

I agree fully with Ches. I've swam quite a bit since my injury but lately I've been swimming constantly and next week am taking a scuba diving course. If you could swim before your injury, it's much easier and some people are naturally more bouyant than others but you'll find that your legs just float around behind you if you're moving or if you're stationary, will probably sort of sink downwards. I guess this also depends on your natural bouyancy and that everyone is different. But like Ches, said you'll be fine. I can swim laps in a pool without any floatation devices whatsover (as I just found out tonight while I was practicing my swim skills for my scuba diving course!). Be careful of cutting up your feet on the pool (of if in the ocean, on coral and whatnot).

[knightrider]

Yeah you'll be fine, if you could swim before, you're most likely to be able to now. Before i was injured, i never really used my legs when i swam anyway unless i wanted to swim fast. It does feel different though, especially swimming on your front. But for you just try floating on your back in the shallow end and used your arms/hands to help and move about, thats how i started and your legs just follow. Just have someone next to you until you feel comfortable. Just keep an eye out and watch you feet incase you scrape the bottom like Twisted_Ophelia said, especially if your doing the doggy paddle type. You'll be fine and you'll really enjoy it. It's amazing how relaxed you will feel afterwards. My legs go to jelly for hours after lol. Have a great time away.

[graphic]

Knightrider gave you some good advice there Maisy. You should be fine but, as he said, it's very to stay afloat on your back so if you get into a little difficulty just roll over onto your back and use your arms to gently paddle back to the edge of the pool. I often swim this way because it's very relaxing just floating around and it's easier than holding your head above water. Don't worry about what others might think of your technique, just enjoy yourself and have a wonderful time!

[Karl187]

I think wheeliebear75 nailed it on the head. Personally I need a hoist to get in and out of the pool. Theoretically speaking I should be able to lower myself to the ground but I have short arms and it would be dangerous to say the least. One day maybe. But using the corners of the pool is good advice. I can get out onto the side using the corners and then it would be fairly easy to get your legs up and back into your chair if you are able to.

As for swimming itself, make sure there is someone with you at first and practice flipping over onto your front and back- if you can't do this on your own then someone should stay with you, at least according to the physios that helped me in the pool.

[Texaswheelz]

I hit the pool in my apartments every chance I get while it's warm. As other have said if you can swim you can swim. You don't need your legs or your arms to make you stay at the top, you just need air in your lungs and you'll float. Just lay flat on your back and take a big breath and you'll see. Then go from there, use your arms to move your body's position in the water. I'd swim year round if I could, great exercise and a good stretch also.

For how to get in and out, that is completely up to you and what you are capable of doing. Are you wanting to swim in the pool where you are staying or in the ocean? I know when I go to the lake I just remove my seat and then roll out far enough to slip into the water. For the pool I always pull a lounge chair over to one of the corner, I don't wanna get from the pool into my chair when I'm done and get my seat all wet so I go from the pool to the lounge chair and lay there soaking the rays for a bit till my shorts dry some and then get in my chair. Be sure to check what ever you do sit on or place your feet on for how hot it is. Here in Dallas there are plenty of times that the lounge chairs or the area around the pool would flat out burn me. I always splash water up on everything first and the worse is your food plate, it's black and just setting there get nice and hot while you swim. Be sure to cool it down before you put your bare feet on it.


Doesn't hurt that there are more women in my apartments pool with fake tits then there were at the last strip club I went to.

[wheeliebear75]

Oh yeah that reminds me. If your cushion is the kind that are filled with air (I have a ROHO quattro LP ) you have to be careful about not letting the chlorine soak into it.......it messes up the rubber & you'll spring leaks quicker. I use a beach towel draped over my chair covering the parts of it that I would touch so I don't get burned. You'll have to be very careful about the heat.......if you can't feel how hot the ground or your chair is & then you go put your skin on it you'll get burned & not know it. I live on the coast so it's very breezy where I live......I just use multiple towels.....like 2-3 or even 4 sometimes if it is very windy.

Only way I know of getting in the Ocean aside from being carried in or having one of those beach wheelchairs that is designed to go into the water is just to get the chair as close as you can & "barrel roll" (roll yourself like a log) in to the water. But Ocean swimming is WAY different than pool swimming. Waves & currents can effect even the most seasoned of swimmers but we do have a disadvantage when it comes to fighting rip currents & such. Try getting your "sea legs" in the pool 1st.

So were you wanting to swim around in the pool or out in the ocean? (Guess that would have been a good question to ask earlier huh? )

[maisy1996]

wheeliebear75, on Aug 1 2009, 08:23 AM, said:

Oh yeah that reminds me. If your cushion is the kind that are filled with air (I have a ROHO quattro LP ) you have to be careful about not letting the chlorine soak into it.......it messes up the rubber & you'll spring leaks quicker. I use a beach towel draped over my chair covering the parts of it that I would touch so I don't get burned. You'll have to be very careful about the heat.......if you can't feel how hot the ground or your chair is & then you go put your skin on it you'll get burned & not know it. I live on the coast so it's very breezy where I live......I just use multiple towels.....like 2-3 or even 4 sometimes if it is very windy.

Only way I know of getting in the Ocean aside from being carried in or having one of those beach wheelchairs that is designed to go into the water is just to get the chair as close as you can & "barrel roll" (roll yourself like a log) in to the water. But Ocean swimming is WAY different than pool swimming. Waves & currents can effect even the most seasoned of swimmers but we do have a disadvantage when it comes to fighting rip currents & such. Try getting your "sea legs" in the pool 1st.

So were you wanting to swim around in the pool or out in the ocean? (Guess that would have been a good question to ask earlier huh? )

Im gona be swimming in the pool i dont think i can brave it enough to go in the ocean im a scardy cat haha.

[Meadowlarkmark]

Be very careful if the pool area is concrete/cement, it's easy to scratch the butt when transferring to the water! I scratched myself two years ago and it turned into a decube and I have been fighting it every since. Be careful.

[Rolin]

My first time back in the water was two years after my accident. The experience wasn't a good one for me. I will recommend doing it differently then I did it.
I sat on the side of the pool and then just rolled off into about four feet of water. The sensation I experienced was quite strange.
The neutral buoyancy of my legs took away the weight completely. The weight of my legs had been the only sense that let me know I still had a lower body. (T12 complete)
When I rolled into the water - that sense was instantly gone. At that moment I was hit with the reality of my physical loss more then I was ready for. It took me to tears.
I've been back in the pool since that first time, and enjoy it immensely, but my recommendation is to ease your self into the water if it is your first time back into the water since your injury.

Enjoy

[Karl187]

Rolin, on Aug 15 2009, 01:17 PM, said:

My first time back in the water was two years after my accident. The experience wasn't a good one for me. I will recommend doing it differently then I did it.
I sat on the side of the pool and then just rolled off into about four feet of water. The sensation I experienced was quite strange.
The neutral buoyancy of my legs took away the weight completely. The weight of my legs had been the only sense that let me know I still had a lower body. (T12 complete)
When I rolled into the water - that sense was instantly gone. At that moment I was hit with the reality of my physical loss more then I was ready for. It took me to tears.
I've been back in the pool since that first time, and enjoy it immensely, but my recommendation is to ease your self into the water if it is your first time back into the water since your injury.

Enjoy

I agree with this but I also caution how you get into the water as it can hurt quite a bit if you get it wrong. My third time in the pool I thought I was being real smart and decided to slide head first off the hoist chair into the water and whatever way my body went, with no leg function to counter-balance, my back took most of the hit and I was sore for days. Ease yourself in, slow and steady.

[Ragadeyanne69]

Hi there Maisy,
I think it's wonderful how many ppl have replied to your post. I'm no expert and my level of injury is C4/5/6/7 incomplete, I was complete but after a year things changed, anyway I wanted to tell you I was so petrified about swimming that it was 5yrs before I even considered getting in the hydro pool.It was mad as I use to love swimming,obviously it's not unusal to be scared or anxious.Anyway after A LOT of persistent ppl encouraging me, I took the plunge. WOW aload of worrying over nothing.They said I took to water like a duck!
I will state this though, I could have a share in floats.I love my floats!
My partner is always by my side and he carrys me in,maybe when you get back you'll of enjoyed it that much you'll go to your nearest hydro pool as it's great exersice,and it's fun.
Sorry I drifted of the subject a little,I just wanted to say maybe you could try the kiddies pool or the shallow end.But when I'm on holiday I forget I'm paralyzed and spend all day on a fab lilo wit a beer and family standin by!
You can get some fab Lilo's,seat ones. Ones wit arms,head rests etc.it's worth having a look.
Well enjoy and let us know as I'm sure we'd all love to know how ya get on.
Have fun
Regards
Tanya x

[mcferguson]

I must have dense legs 'cause when I'm in the pool I have this pulling sensation on my chest like when I was in a standing frame. My legs have never been bouyant anyway, but I thought that they might float a little more since they are relaxed all the time.

[CollegeGirl]

I'm so glad this post is here! I've talked to my boyfriend a couple of times about getting in our pool whenever he goes to my house to meet my parents (if it's during a time that's warm) and he acts very.....just not into it! But maybe I'll be able to talk him into it with a few of these tips Thanks for starting the thread Maisy!

[Ricardoluke]

my injury was summer 2004 and my first time back in the water was last summer. we rented a house in France with it's own pool. As I was a bit unsure if I was a floater or sinker I had bought myself a small jacket like the guys in kayaks wear. The pool had fairly shallow steps to get in so at first I used to lower myself in and out one step at a time and then with a little help back into my chair. Within 2 days the jacket was off. I then kept a sun lounger at the side of the pool and when i fancied a plunge i would drop from the lounger to the poolside (padded with a folded towel) and throw myself in. I then fould that I could pull my top half onto the side of the pool and by rolling over my legs would kind of flick up onto the side.My kids reffered to me as 'the crocodile'. I would definately suggest getting a woggle (a long round piece of foam) these are great for wrapping around yourself under your arms and then you can just bob around. Also swim/beach shoes were good for protecting your toes from being dragged on the pool floor. Off to sunny spain next week for some more aqua fun in the sun.

[cate]

Alex checki with your local pool. here in the UK they have sessions usually for the over 40's and disabled, many have hoists, and also the attendants will keep an eye out for you, and that will build your confidence up. give them a call and then enjoy yourself.
cate

[Nia]

twisted_ophelia, on Jul 31 2009, 01:47 PM, said:

I agree fully with Ches. I've swam quite a bit since my injury but lately I've been swimming constantly and next week am taking a scuba diving course. If you could swim before your injury, it's much easier and some people are naturally more bouyant than others but you'll find that your legs just float around behind you if you're moving or if you're stationary, will probably sort of sink downwards. I guess this also depends on your natural bouyancy and that everyone is different. But like Ches, said you'll be fine. I can swim laps in a pool without any floatation devices whatsover (as I just found out tonight while I was practicing my swim skills for my scuba diving course!). Be careful of cutting up your feet on the pool (of if in the ocean, on coral and whatnot).

Heh...
i guess i learned a lot in here
yesterday i went to a swimming pool for the 1st time
actually it's to prove that twisted_ophelia was right about the buoyant thingy
owh...how i wish i swim sooner...
she's right
and apparently
if you're like me
as long as ur hands can move
u can swim just like ordinary person (without ur legs moving ^_^)
try it!
maybe u dont even need the board!

owh, btw, i'm a newbie!
my name is nia! ^_^

[pistol_pete]

I've only been swimming a couple of times and found that it was a very worthwhile experience. My accident wasn't very long ago ( 'bout 16 months) so I'm still suffering the ol' spasms a fair bit, which really seemed to hinder my ability to move around in the water. I did find though that if I jammed my feet up against the wall and pulled myself up a bit using the step bars then the spasms would make my body rigid and I could actually stand up.....kind of. It was a pretty awesome feeling and did weird things to my diaphragm, I guess having my body in that straight vertical position for the first time in over a year was always going to be strange, but it was very cool.
For buoyancy I just used one of those foam noodle things. I highly recommend swimming it can only be good to get all that dead weight moving around in different positions, the pool ( river , lake ocean....) is one of those places where you can almost look and feel like you used to pre SCI.
I've gotta say that when I got back in the chair it felt super freaky after being semi weightless for an hour.